RAND-Walbundrie-Walla defender Jessica Kotzur became the club’s first A-grade best and fairest winner after taking out a thrilling Hume league count at Henty on Wednesday night.
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Kotzur, who finished fifth last season, picked up six votes in the final two rounds to edge out Billabong Crows coach Beck O’Connell and Jindera’s Sharna Holland by two.
O’Connell and Holland are former winners.
The spring-heeled Kotzur grabbed votes in 13 matches and turned in five best-on-court performances in polling 28 votes.
Kotzur said she was honoured to win the best and fairest ahead of a star-studded list of players.
“It’s an absolute honour to win it,” Kotzur said.
“I’m really surprised as I thought I was a bit inconsistent at times during the season.
“I thought Sharna might win.
“It’s just the best club to be involved with and Tracey (Oates) our coach has done an incredible job with the Giants.”
The St Pauls College teacher will play a vital role for the Giants when they do battle with Lockhart in Saturday’s preliminary final.
“Lockhart has come from nowhere and they’re going to be really hard to beat,” she said.
Osborne’s Courtney Menzies and pre-count Billabong Crows favourite Holly Dowling tied for third on 23 votes.
Jindera’s Courtney Katalinic followed on 21, with Lockhart youngster Holly Murphy next on 20.
In B grade, Rand-Walbundrie-Walla made it a fine double with defender Brianna Higgins topping the count.
She picked up 28 votes to score a comfortable win from Brock-Burrum’s Angela Kavanagh, Henty’s Denise James and Murray Magpie Tara Lieschke on 23.
Brock-Burrum’s Brianna Livermore was a popular winner in C grade, Giant Olivia Merriman took out C reserve, Osborne’s Grace Clancy won 16 and under, Howlong’s Mia Lavis was successful in 14 and under and Holbrook’s Maddie Black and CDHBU’s Remy Longmire tied in 12 and under.
Menzies took out the league’s Rising Star award and Rand-Walbundrie-Walla won the Netball Club Champion Trophy.
In other awards, Jindera’s won the Football Club Champion and Osborne were the Overall Club Champion.
Henty's Brett Singe was named Umpire of the Year, Jindera’s Jacob Ladgrove was most improved and Osborne’s Laurie Sly picked up a services to umpiring award.
Swampie star Daniel Cox collected the WAW Player of the Year award.
Rand-Walbundrie-Walla’s Janelle Garlick was the 2018 Volunteer of the Year.
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